General Information

Yangoru Secondary School, situated in East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, has a rich history dating back to 1974. Originally established as Yangoru Day High School, it emerged from humble beginnings to become a significant educational institution in the region.

Founding and Early Years:

The school was founded in 1974 as a day high school, with an initial enrollment of 30-37 students. It was staffed by 10 teachers, including five nationals. The establishment of the school was a collaborative effort, strongly supported by local village leaders, various church missions (Roman Catholic, Assembly of God, Seventh Day Adventists), four Local Level Governments (LLGs), and the colonial District Administration.

The school's creation was partly motivated by the need to provide local education, especially for young girls who were under the influence of a local cult leader (Yaliwan). Previously, students had to travel long distances to schools in Wewak, Maprik, or Nagum.

Infrastructure and Development:

In its early days, most of the school buildings were made of bush materials, donated by nearby villages, particularly from the Sepik plains. The school grounds included small agricultural plots for vegetables, fruit trees, and four coffee plots, which were part of the land purchase agreement. Goats were also raised for meat and fundraising.

Over time, the school saw gradual improvements:

• Eight permanent staff houses were built around 1973-1974
• A basketball court was constructed in 1979
• Permanent classrooms were built in 1985 and 1986
• The school faced setbacks, being burnt down twice - in 1980 and 1989
• A significant redevelopment occurred in 1994, led by the current TSC Chairman who was then the Headmaster

Academic Excellence:

Yangoru High School built a strong reputation for academic performance. It consistently ranked among the top schools in Papua New Guinea for Grade 10 school certificate examinations. Notable achievements include:

• Ranking first in East Sepik and second in PNG after Marianville Girls High School in 1985
• Maintaining a position among the top 30 schools in PNG for many years
• Topping East Sepik schools for about 10 years from 1999 to 2010

Transition to Secondary School:After 43 years as a high school, Yangoru received approval to upgrade to secondary school status in 2006. However, due to infrastructure and resource challenges, the transition was gradual:

• In 2007, the school's MPR positions were reclassified for secondary school status
• The first Grade 11 classes were enrolled in 2008
• The inaugural Grade 12 graduation took place in December 2009

Recent Developments:

A major infrastructure upgrade occurred in 2018, funded by AUSAID with counter-funding from the National Government, negotiated by local MP Hon Richard Maru. This development included:

• New classrooms and a computer laboratory
• Dormitories for male and female students
• A new staff administration resource building
• Staff amenities and accommodation
• Student amenities including a mess hall and recreational building
• Kitchen facilities

The construction, carried out by Anavel Engineering System (AES), resulted in state-of-the-art facilities for education.

Legacy and Motto:

The school's journey from its modest beginnings to its current status as a respected secondary institution is encapsulated in its fitting motto: "Success through struggle". This phrase reflects the challenges overcome and the persistent effort of the school community over the decades.

Today, Yangoru Secondary School continues to play a crucial role in educating the youth of East Sepik Province, building on its legacy of academic excellence and community support.